INHALATION OF ESSENTIAL OILS: COULD BE ADJUVANT THERAPEUTIC STRATEGY FOR COVID-19

The current pandemic of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) termed as COVID-19 is the third recorded blowback of an animal coronavirus to a human being in the last twenty years. The pandemic is originated from China and currently impacted more than 205 countries worldwide (as on dated 2^nd April 2020). This pandemic is not only affecting human life but also has questioned the worldwide status of healthcare facilities and resulted in a slowdown of the economy. But the fact is the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes Covid-19, has less virulence but a high infection rate than SARS-CoV-1, which caused an outbreak of SARS in 2003. The disease is mainly transmitted either through close contact with an infected person via respiratory droplets or by touching a contaminated surface. Treatment involves a combination of certain potent antiviral drugs. SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 share 80 to 90 percent genetic similarity; thus, the treatments which are effective against SARS-CoV-1 can be adjuvant therapeutic strategy against SARS-CoV-2. Some of the essential oils with certain active compounds show strong anti-viral activity against SARS CoV. Therefore, the essential oils like T. orientalis, J. oxycedrus, L. nobilis, Rosemary, Ravensara, Ravintsara, Tea Tree, Bergamot, Eucalyptus, Lemon balm, Thyme, Oregano, Fennel, Peppermint, Cinnamon, Clove with active compounds such as β-ocimene, 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, and β-pinene, rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid may be helpful against Covid-19. Conclusively, inhalation of mentioned essential oils could be an adjuvant therapeutic strategy for Covid-19. Also, several ayurvedic herbs can be used as an immunity booster.